Payout method for game of chance
The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization.
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In the gambling industry, there are a myriad of games that can be played, each with different betting formats and differential payouts. However, in each such game, the ultimate goal is to win a monetary amount or prize for any given game. Often, the winnings are paid out in various modes, some by cash, others by credits or vouchers, and others by physical objects as prizes. In any given game, there is always a goal to maximize one's winnings and in most circumstances, such winnings are taxable as in any business transaction.
As a matter of background, in circumstances where an individual desires to play a game of chance at a computer based game setting at a localized game station, it is important to understand the dynamics of betting with any game. It is to be understood that on-line linked interstate gambling is not yet fully sanctioned and that gambling on-line is in its embryonic stage for a much larger sanctioned participation under certain conditions, and the format methodology herein may be applicable to such.
With this background, there are known and established methods for playing a game on the Internet at casinos or at game stations, and so forth, involving betting modes. In these formats, there is usually a portrayal on a computer generated display screen of a of the game format depending on the type of game played. Such formats and game methodology can be applied to almost any type of game, including card games, slot machines and the like.
Also, in a general context, games of chance where players play, the house may be at a pay-out advantage since the pay-out schedule is such that any pay-outs are not compatible with true probability factors. Additionally, no known means exist in this regard relative to deploying a methodology for allowing a player to elect to share his winnings with a charitable organization or other organization. Additionally, in this context, it is desirable and ethical, to reveal in certain play modes probability factors or odds of obtaining a winning hand or certain types of hands in a given game of chance. No such games are known to be structured in game play or in Internet or other virtual means to set forth the same, and there is need for such presentation and promulgation of the probability factors. In fact, it is foreseeable that governmental bodies may soon require such probability data to be made available in game formats as a condition of governmental sanction at all levels of government. Moreover, in any type of financial transactions, there are no formats for players to donate or allocate p portion of his or her earnings or monies involved in a financial transaction to a charity or other organization or even allow a participant in the transaction to allocate a part of the monies or received or paid to a governmental entity for credit on taxes due or to be due in the future.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONThe subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization. Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating a portion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as an individual elects to charity.
According to the present invention, the subject invention is a method and apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique betting format and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to a differential format of betting with several different winnings payout betting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provide players in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given game of chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payout amount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, and to this end, the game software will be supplemental with programming software, interfaced to the main game software that provides means to activate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designated charity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunction with any business or financial transaction wherein the transaction involves the payment or interchange of funds.
In view of the foregoing, the following are objects of the subject invention.
It is an object of the subject system to provide means to facilitate a fair and equitable method of allocating earnings in a game of chance to a charitable organization or other types of organizations;
It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improved means to maximize the equities in the play of casino game or games of chance;
A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improved method to provide on-line games, including means to allocate earnings to a charity or other organization as designated by a player from a given-list, or other entities;
Yet another aspect of the subject invention is to provide an improved system for competitive card game play using existing computer-based on-line means with pre-formatted on-line games or other games to allow the player to elect to share earnings with a charity or other organization as the player elects;
Moreover, it is an object of this invention to provide a means that can be used on the Internet to provide on-line competitive games in which a portion of the earnings are allocated to a charity designated by a player, or one from a list provided by the game sponsor or owner;
It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improved on-line system for a competitive game or other similar card games utilizing a generated game format at a game station to designate a charity to share any winnings of a player;
Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved method for providing linked on-line game in which the player will be able to allocate a portion of the earnings to a charity or other organization;
Still another object is to provide computer based methodology combined to provide a novel way to share earnings in a game of chance;
Another object of the subject invention is to provide means or methodology to permit an individual involved in any financial or monetary transaction as a recipient or payer of funds to allocate such funds to an organization or charity;
Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a computer generated game format that is equitable to the individual player and provides some means to apprise the player of the odds of winning in any game situation;
Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparent from reading the description taken in conjunction with the claims.
The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization. Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating a portion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as an individual elects to charity.
According to the present invention, the subject invention is a method and apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique betting format and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to a differential format of betting with several different winnings payout betting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provide players in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given game of chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payout amount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, and to this end, the game software will be supplemental with programming software, interfaced to the main game software that provides means to activate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designated charity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunction with any business or financial transaction wherein the transaction involves the payment or interchange of funds.
In this invention, the object of this gaming method is to provide means to allow players in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout or has residual credits left on the machine elects to share any resultant proceeds on a given game of chance, is given the option of divert all or part of the remaining credits or part of the payout amount to a charitable organization of other entity or person, and to this end, the game software will be supplemental to the game programming software, annexed to and interfaced to the main game software and provide means to activate a partial or whole payout of any earnings to a select charity or other person or entity.
The subject invention is generally based on an electronic based game of chance comprising means to permit a player to share any earnings with a charitable group, using various based selection means to choose a charity to participate in such earnings. In the subject game programming, based on a specific format, the following general steps are involved in one of several embodiments of the steps designated below:
a. Initially the participating players or player deposits money or credits to play the game, that is to start the game, which is governed by a master game play program, or
b. As an additional step in the computer program for the subject game of chance, a supplemental computer program, as incorporated in the Central Processing Unit is provided with a supplemental program listing various charitable groups or other organizations that may be the object of shared earnings from which earnings the player selects which charity or other organization to any shared earnings are directed.
c. Alternately, the next step in the program sequence is the game player selects a charity or other organization to which any earnings are to be shared or directed by selecting on the same console.
d. The next step is for the player to select a percentage of the earnings to be allocated to a charity or other organization by signaling on the console means to determine what percentage is given to a charity.
e. At this point the program may generate a standard or automatic display amount shown on a visual indicator on the screen, along with the charity, with a display indicating the amount, percentage that will be allocated to a charity or other organization.
f. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the above mentioned requirements, then the game progresses to the next game levels as the main game program dictates.
g. At a point in the games whereby any winnings are promulgated, the supplementary program, based on the percentage selected by the play will signify earning amounts diverted to the charity or other organization.
h. The ensuing step in the program sequence, the remaining share of winnings of the play and amounts paid to the player will be by cash, credits, or other means.
i The actual player may cash out his winnings on the game or elect to retain a credit for further game play.
j. The supplemental computer program will then generate a record of the shared earnings for the designated charity or other organization to be paid.
k. The computer format will reveal a share and information that will detail credit to chances of the name of the charity, and provide a printout as a receipt to the player.
In the above perspective, areas of the virtual board layout on the display screen of the game console comprise predetermined areas that will display such payment and charity information or other organization information.
Moreover, the subject invention may also include a menu and format for determining whether the player electing to share his earnings, by accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game in real time between actual players participating separately from different sites, or playing such games as the only actual player against the house so that each separate player can designate an organization for receiving all or part of any earnings either separately and/or confidentially.
In the main or specifically directed game format and for other game formats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics could optionally apply:
1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice from a menu of various organizations displayed on the screen, with each game format menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant to select a particular organization.
2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable, which is the program which may be designated as R (for a file number on a particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory, by which a player will be identified by such code and wherein such code will provide access to potential credit on any game, and which code may incorporate memory elements for the pre-designated organization, and a pre-determined percentage of all game winnings to be allocated to such organization for such individual until another variable is entered or the processing program is exited or erased for that participant. The persistence of this code R permits an individual participant to continue play of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with a pre-played game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion, and as stated, along with his or her charitable designation and fixed percentage. This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game site gameplay for each participating client, including for such new client all documented information ready at hand in the software program with the headings and designation of the client's history and game preferences, as well as betting preference and charity preferences. In some instances certain incentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for his or her total history of participation, or maintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.
The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiple number of game categories which can instantly be displayed to give the player an overview of games that are available in the system, along with the probability factors involved with each game.
The supplemental program can also incorporate means to not only allocate funds to a given charity, it may also include sharing arrangement for schools, other entities or individuals. Thus, a player may know of an impoverished individual and family he may want to help financially without disclosure of identity or otherwise.
A given game program could optionally track the participants play, and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of the game as to chance or chances of and/or other probability factors, and other relevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailing hand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not be based on the particular game of chance the player elects to play.
Another embodiment of the invention may be at the inception of a game entry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database, to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse a display for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, and odds for a given game play. It is anticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play. The software program could automatically display such data for a minimum time period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedules for a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.
In all games that are fair, there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player and an opponent. However, this concept is novel in that the player is given a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules and risks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective on the game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted a unique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probability of prevailing as the game play progresses. As will be shown, this method provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new and useful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to the games variables and courses.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE SUBJECT INVENTIONThe subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization. Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating a portion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as an individual elects to charity.
According to the present invention, the subject invention is a method and apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique betting format and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to a differential format of betting with several different winnings payout betting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provide players in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given game of chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payout amount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, and to this end, the game software will be supplemental with programming software, interfaced to the main game software that provides means to activate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designated charity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunction with any business or financial transaction wherein the transaction involves the payment or interchange of funds.
In view of the foregoing, the following are objects of the subject invention.
It is an object of the subject system to provide means to facilitate a fair and equitable method of allocating earnings in a game of chance to a charitable organization or other types of organizations;
It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improved means to maximize the equities in the play of casino game or games of chance;
A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improved method to provide on-line games, including means to allocate earnings to a charity or other organization as designated by a player from a given list, or other entities;
Yet another aspect of the subject invention is to provide an improved system for competitive card game play using existing computer-based on-line means with pre-formatted on-line games or other games to allow the player to elect to share earnings with a charity or other organization as the player elects;
Moreover, it is an object of this invention to provide a means that can be used on the Internet to provide on-line competitive games in which a portion of the earnings are allocated to a charity designated by a player, or one from a list provided by the game sponsor or owner;
It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improved on-line system for a competitive game or other similar card games utilizing a generated game format at a game station to designate a charity to share any winnings of a player;
Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved method for providing linked on-line game in which the player will be able to allocate a portion of the earnings to a charity or other organization;
Still another object is to provide computer based methodology combined to provide a novel way to share earnings in a game of chance;
Another object of the subject invention is to provide means or methodology to permit an individual involved in any financial or monetary transaction as a recipient or payer of funds to allocate such funds to an organization or charity;
Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a computer generated game format that is equitable to the individual player and provides some means to apprise the player of the odds of winning in any game situation;
Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparent from reading the description taken in conjunction with the claims.
The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity.
According to the present invention, the focus herein is on a method and apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique betting format and betting payout as disclosed. The unique betting format adapts itself to a differential form of allocating earnings to any responsible person or entity as selected by the game player. As such, several different betting formats have been developed in this context to allocate earnings.
In this invention, the object of this gaming method is to provide means to allow players in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given game of chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payout amount to a charitable organization or other entity or person, and to this end, the game software will be supplemental to the game programming software, annexed to and interfaced to the main game software and provides means to activate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a select charity or other person or entity.
The subject invention is generally based on an electronic based game of chance comprising means to permit a player to share any earnings with a charitable group, using various based selection means to choose a charity to participate in such earnings. In the subject game programming, based on a specific format, the following general steps are involved in one of several embodiments of the steps designated below:
a. Initially the participating players or player pays a deposit or credits to play the game, that is to start the game, which is governed by a master game play program.
b. As an additional step in the computer program for the subject game of chance, a supplemental computer program, as incorporated in the Central Processing. Unit is provided with a supplemental program listing various charitable groups that may be the object of shared earnings from which the player selects which charity to any shared earnings are directed.
c. Alternately, the next step in the program sequence is the game player selects a charity or other organization or other entity to which any earnings are to be shared or directed by selecting on the same console.
d. The next step is for the player to select a percentage of the earnings to be allocated to a charity by signaling on the console means to determine what percentage is given to a charity or other entity.
e. At this point the program will generate a standard or automatic bet display amount shown on a visual indicator on the screen, along with the charity, with a display indicating the amount, percentage that will be allocated to a charity or other entity.
f. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the above mentioned requirements, then the game progresses to the next game levels as the main game program dictates.
g. At a point in the games whereby any winnings are promulgated, the supplementary program, based on the percentage selected by the play will signify earning amounts diverted to the charity or other entity.
h. The ensuing step in the program sequence, the remaining share of winnings of the play and amounts paid to the player will be by cash, credits, or other means.
i The actual player may cash out his winnings on the game or elect to retain a credit for further game play.
j. The supplemental computer program will then generate a record of the shared earnings for the designated charity or other organization to be paid.
k. The computer format will reveal a share and information that will detail credit to chances of the name of the charity or other organization and provide a printout as a receipt to the player;
l. The computer format will link with casino accounting and reporting software to report donations made by a specific player for internal record keeping purposes.
m. The computer format will link with casino accounting and reporting software to report donations made by a specific player for record keeping purposes.
In the above perspective, areas of the virtual board layout on the display screen of the game console comprise predetermined areas that will display such payment and charity or other organization information.
Moreover, the subject invention may also include a menu and format for determining whether the player electing to share his earnings, by accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game in real time between actual players participating separately from different sites, or playing such games as the only actual player against the house so that each separate player can designated a charity or other organization for receiving all or part of any earnings either separately and/or confidentially.
In the main or specifically directed game format and for other game formats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics could optionally apply:
1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice from a menu of various charities displayed on the screen, with each game format menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant to select a particular charity.
2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable, which is the program which may be designated as R (for a file number on a particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory, by which a player will be identified by such code and wherein such code will provide access to potential credit on any game, and which code may incorporate memory elements for the pre-designated charity or other organization, and a pre-determined percentage of all game winnings to be allocated to such charity for such individual until another variable is entered or the processing program is exited or erased for that participant. The persistence of this unique or personal code R permits an individual participant to continue play of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with a pre-played game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion, and as stated, along with his or her charitable designation and fixed percentage. This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game site gameplay for such new client, including for such new client all documented information ready at hand in the software program with the headings and designation of the client's history and game preferences, as well as betting preference and charity preferences. In some instances certain incentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for his or her total history of participation, or maintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.
The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiple number of game categories which can instantly be displayed to give the player an overview of games that are available in the system, along with the probability factors involved with each game.
A given game program could optionally track the participants play, and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of the game as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and other relevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailing hand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not be based on given game's progress and comparison to the ongoing odds of prevailing relative to other players whether actual or real.
Another embodiment of the invention may be at the inception of a game entry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database, to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse a display for any given game. The software program could automatically display such data for a minimum time period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedules for a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.
It is further stressed and re-emphasized that the foregoing sharing process with an organization as to any monetary transaction, wherein the payment or recipient of funds in any such business or consumer can be utilized to pass a percentage of the winnings of the transaction to others can be utilized. In this latter perspective, such as in ordinary monetary transaction wherein one is to received funds, such as withdrawals from a bank.
In this game format, the following steps may be used to implement the objectives thereof:
1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to play the game, that is to start the game.
The subject invention may also include a menu and format for other similar card games involving a single player or a plurality of players from various dispersed locations all participating in a single game, in which standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, such menu providing the user a series of potential games for instant play which can be used as a base guide for the player, with such menu having accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game in real time between actual players participating separately from different sites, or playing such games as the only actual player against the house, with or without competing virtual or actual players.
In the main or specifically directed game format and for other game formats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics could optionally apply:
1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice from a menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant to select a particular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.
2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable, which is the program may be designated as R (for a file number on a particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory until another variable is entered or the processing program is exited or erased for that participant. The persistence of this variable R permits an individual participant to continue play of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with a pre-played game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion. This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game site gameplay for such new client, including for such new client all documented information ready at hand in the software program with the headings and designation of the client's history and game preferences, as well as betting preference. In some instances certain incentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for his or her total history of participation, or maintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.
3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiple number of game categories which can instantly be displayed to give the player an overview of games that are available in the system, along with the probability factors involved with each game.
4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database, to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse a display for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, and odds for a given game play. It is anticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play. The software program could automatically display such data for a minimum time period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedules for a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.
5. A given game program could optionally track the participants play, and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of the game as to chance and other relevant probability data to determine ones chances of prevailing or continued play.
6. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appending process, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins or losses.
This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to the inventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair, there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player and an opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player is given a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules and risks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective on the game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted a unique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probability of prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, this method provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new and useful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to the games variables and courses.
A given game program will or can track the participants on game total wins and losses, and may optionally provide probability data at any given stage of the game as to chance of drawing certain cards, the probability of certain results and other relevant probability data.
Additionally, since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appending process, the player does not need to retain copies of his gaming wins or losses.
(a) games are played in succession;
(b) antes may not be required in some circumstances;
(c) a premium high odds side bet for some games can be an alternative in the present invention allowing players a chance to recover losses.
To implement the base program in this invention, set forth below is a computer program step format, among other possible formats, as shown in part in the flow chart in
- A. Action to activate game pay-out method (Step 400 in the computer program).
- B. Activate screen for particular game (Step 405).
- C. Start game play.
- D. Register initial ante (Step 420).
- E. Initiate charity or other organization and allocation percentage (100) (as selected with input means on computer console or screen or otherwise.
- F. Complete game play.
- G. Compute winnings and compute amount of share allocation to charity or other entity based on charity designation and allocation percentage.
- H. Player initiates donation button (with percentage) 150.
- I. Player initiates cashout 200.
- J. Cashout activates to pay player plus designated organization 220.
- K. Cashout response to casino office 250.
- L. Cashout ticket printed and provided 270.
- M. System determines credit remaining.
- N. If no credits left, total payout reported to system 350.
- O. Document printed for customer on payout data 400.
Some of the choices from the menu lead to sub-menus and some of them initiate other subsidiary processes. This menu, as are all of the sub-menus in a computer software system and other menu choices are macros, which operate when the user presses the alphabetic key corresponding to the menu choice. In all of the sub-menus except the Main Menu, selecting the choice for a game will run this giving the user the same screen as is displayed by activating the appropriate control. Most of the final game choices (in the final sub-menus) will result in the program performing a merger function with the supplemental program for winnings allocation for selecting and charity or other organization and designated ratios of winning allocations.
The choices elaborated just above perform the following tasks which are followed with the numbers in parentheses which correspond to the numbers set forth in the computer software as seen in the flow chart at
A. Runs a macro which calls up a menu called MenuAction. This menu permits the player to perform a variety of tasks in the processes described above.
B. Runs a macro called GameChoice.
C. Provide a method of betting, whether arithmetic or geometric or automatic, at which time the menus disappear and a dialogue box appears requesting the player to enter a game choice and betting method, which becomes a persistent variable XY. This macro operation pauses for the user to enter the data for that specific case, and afterwards saves that date file as XYN; and also creates a file called Player Preference, which can utilize a code for ease of entry into the game and permits the player to use his code for selecting a charity, other entity or individual with which earnings are to be shared.
D. The system can operate yet another macro operation referred to as a probability generator which calculates a probability factor for having given game.
E. In yet another embodiment of the subject invention, they system includes a method of playing a game as disclosed, comprising, a means for identifying an initial probability factor.
F. The system allows, as discussed below, yet another variation in which the player can elect to change the ratio or percentage for sharing winnings during various betting states and additionally allow the participant to change the beneficiary of his allocated earnings at various betting stages during the game. This alternate arrangement is set forth in the tabular format set forth as Table 1, which is
The minimum and maximum wager may be set at any desired value. Herein, wagers and payouts will be expressed in units to provide illustrative embodiments of the relative value of the various bets and payouts of the present invention. In general, these illustrative embodiments may specify that a player may, for example, anta a specified number of units and ma increase a specified number of units. As will become apparent, these illustrative embodiments may be varied. Moreover, it will be appreciated that even when a specific embodiments is chose, one player's wage may be different from another player's wager so long as each player satisfies the ratio of the specific embodiment and any applicable minimum and maximum wager. As one example, if an embodiment provides for an ante of one unit, w bet to two units, and a maximum increase of three units, a first player may ante one dollar, bet two dollars, and increase up to three dollars; a second player may ante two dollars, bet four dollars and increase up to six dollars, provided that both player's bets are within the house minimum and maximum limits.
As will be described later, the relative amounts of wagers and payouts should be designed to provide for a reasonable return for the house, while providing a level and frequency of return to maintain player interest. It is to be understood that the player's wager may be (or may represent) money, or may be points or tokens for recreational play. It will be appreciated that in the case of recreational play, the wagers and payouts need not be structured such that the house achieves an acceptable margin, although it is generally desirable that the odds are about even or slightly in favor of the house to provide a competitive challenge. It will be further be appreciated that variations may be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein.
For example, it will be appreciated that allowing a player to increase the bet at some decision point in the game is similar to requiring a larger initial bet and allowing the player to receive a return of a portion of the initial bet upon forfeiting at that same point. To illustrate this, a first embodiment may require an ante of one unit and may allow a raise of one unit at a given pint. A second embodiment may require an ante of two units and allow a player to forfeit at the same point and receive one unit upon forfeit. The two embodiments are similar inasmuch as in the event the player loses, the loss may be only a single unit in both (assuming that the player in the second embodiment forfeits at the decision point). Of course, one difference is that in the first embodiment where the increase is optional, the player can continue playing without betting more than the initial one unit wager, whereas in the second embodiment the player must have two units at risk to continue playing past the decision point. As a further illustration, a third embodiment that would be equivalent to the second embodiment, but that would have an increase in place of the unit returned upon forfeit process as follows: the player antes one unit. At the given point, the player must increase by one unit to continue. If the player chooses not to increase, the player is deemed to have forfeited and loses the ante of one unit.
In any event, the foregoing is meant to illustrate the various methods of wagering, and is not meant to be limiting as to the number of units for, or presence or absence of, ante, bet, optional increase, required increase, and return upon forfeit. Nor should it be implied that only one such wagering method can be used at a given point. Thus, although specific embodiments of the invention are described using a method wherein the player initially places a plurality of units in different squares (some of which units may be returned at various points upon forfeit), it will be appreciated that in nay embodiment of the invention, any combination of one or more of: required increase, optional increase, portion of the bet returned upon forfeiting can be used at any decision point.
For example in a game of Texas Holden Poker, if the dealer deals or turns face up River card and the dealer's face down card. The final hands now consists of the two face down cards (for each player) with cards for the dealer together with the three common cards of the flop. The dealer determines winning and losing hands by using the earlier mentioned standard poker hand rankings to compare each player's hand to the dealer's hand, utilizing the best five cards in each hand. A hand that has beaten the dealer's hand is referred as a winning hand, and that such point there is a payout at this point a percentage of winnings for players are diverted by physical chip diversion or by computer assistance from the game table.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a winning hand (or alternatively any hand (winning or not) that remains in play until the end of the game) may also win a “bonus” payout based upon the player's hand according to a payout table that may, for example, specify a return as a ration of the player's bet. The bonus can start at any level of hand (for example, a bonus payouts may be paid for hands of three of a kind or better) and may increase for increasing level of hands. The payout can be based on any portion or all of the player's bet. For example, the bonus payout can be based on only the original bet, or on to original bet and any increased during the game, and payment diversions or sharing of any winnings can be consummated at this event juncture.
Additionally, in one further example, each folded hand, in a poker hand, that had a high hand bet placed (referred to as a “high hand bet winning hand”) is paid out according to a payout table, which may be similar to the above described bonus payout table for winning hands that have not folded, but may have different putout ratios, if desired. As with the bonus payout, there is preferable some minimum level of hand at which the payout starts, and the ratio may increase for higher level hands. In an embodiment having the high hand bet, there may be an additional requirement that the player utilizes at least one of the player's individual cards to make the winning hand (i.e. the hand is not formed solely from the common cards) for a payout. If desired, this requirement may be imposed for some payouts (e.g. higher level winning hands such as full house or better) but not others. Furthermore, if desired, an additional requirement may be imposed that the player must beat the dealer's hand, in addition to achieving one of the hands specified on the payout table. At this juncture, an interim payout can be had to a charitable or other organization.
In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention a player who stays in all the way through the final card (in the above described embodiment) but loses to the dealer's hand (an “unfolded losing hand” herein), may be paid for achieving a specified level of hand according to a payout table, which may be different from the other payout tables described above. The variations and additional requirements described above for the high hand bet payout may also be used in conjunction with the unfolded losing hand payout. Once again, a sharing arrangement as discussed may be used.
In general, it will be appreciated that the payout amount of the present game can be set at an amount that achieves an acceptable margin, while allowing for a sufficient payout amount and frequency to maintain player interest. Payout amounts to achieve such margin for any given embodiment can be determined using standard mathematical methods well known to those of skill in the art of determining odds and margin for wagering games. Thus, the specific amounts shown are for exemplary embodiments, and should not be considered as limited to any specific embodiment.
As an alternative embodiment, as shown in Table one below, there are alternate methods which may be utilized for such pay-out process, as outlined below.
As can be seen from the format of Table 1, a player can alter at any time during game play his beneficiary or his or her winning percent in a game, as well as the organization intended to be the beneficiary. A player having a losing session will forfeit his bet amounts, with no funds to be paid to any organization. A printed document, including if so elected can be used to designate, the organization receiving the winning percentage and the amount so received. Once the player participates in a game, the process set forth in the table will be repeated. It must be noted that the number of betting sequences can vary from the five bet sequence set forth in Table 1 (Figure)) set forth above.
In light of the foregoing discussion, in one specific game format will be reviewed using the subject system. The following steps may be used to implement the objectives thereof, using a card game as an embodiment exampler, to wit.
1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to play the game, that is to start the game. Coupled with this ante, as set forth in Table 1 (
2. As the next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-two card deck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namely hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computer program for the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards the virtual cards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as if they had been properly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards, as if they were shuffled as an actual deck of cards, and thus placed randomly virtually in the available deck in the computer program as consummated in the Central Processing Unit of the base computer.
3. As the next step in the program sequence, cards are dealt in a programmatic manner from the random array of the cards as randomly arrayed in such virtual setting in the computer program. In the usual sequential order the deal is first made as one card to each of the players, including the sole individual player and additional fictitious or virtual players, and thence another card is dealt to the players separately as before, with a total of two cards being dealt to the individual players, and in sequence is compliant with the usual practice that the players' cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. This sequence may not be followed precisely as stated above, so long as the cards that are dealt in a random order from a random array of the actual or virtual cards. More particularly, as stated above, the computer program uses a random number generator to stack the cards in a random assemblage. For this purpose each of the numbered cards such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned their face equivalent numbers from the random number generator with the Jack having an eleven designation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King a thirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suit is given a prefix, number to further this purpose, such as a prefix of two for hearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs. Thus, as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned any designated number in the random number generator format. This particular assignation of numbers is only relevant to the process of generating a random array of cards and is not used for any other purpose. In this process the players, including the fictitious or virtual players are assured of an unbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw, two cards dealt to each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player, are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on the display screen so that the actual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned to the virtual players, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-up for immediate and constant viewability on the display screen during game play.
4. Once the actual player can see his two cards and thus knowing their potential values from a poker perspective, a betting interval arises, and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his two cards, not knowing what the community cards are or what the other players have in their hands. At this point, a further round of betting occurs and again the player participant can change his or her designated organization and/or the percentage to be so allocated potential winnings to such organization.
5. The next step in the process is for the computer program to deal or assign the initial array of community cards namely three cards. The first step is the revelation of three community cards as shown on the display screen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. In this position on the screen, the three community cards initially revealed are commonly referred to in poker genre as the flop. Moreover, the betting process again comprises and as shown in
6. Once the initial deal is made of the three community cards as outlined in the above steps, the actual player, when viewing the screen, can now assess his own two cards, as shown on the screen, and concurrently the actual player can observe the three community cards displayed. In over-viewing the two cards in the actual player's hand in conjunction with the three community cards, the player can assess the strength of a five card poker hand using a combination of his two cards and the three community cards. At this point the program will generate a standard or automatic bet amount shown on a visual indicator on the screen as the “current bet”, the minimum additional bet to stay in the game. The actual player can increase the minimum bet up to any predetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount, depending on the game format. However, the minimum bet amount must be tendered in order to remain in the game. Alternately, the player can elect to fold and leave the game at this juncture of the game. Once again, the betting process again comprises and as shown in
7. If the player remains in the game, the next sequential step generated by the master software program is to deal, in a virtual sense, an additional or fourth community card and thus reveal on the screen such additional community card as displayed in the community card position on the screen, generally aligned next to the three initial community cards. As indicated, this additional card provides a fourth card for the community card array, all openly displayed. At this point the actual player, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determine the additional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card array using any three of the four displayed community cards along with his two cards. Again at this point, the player can fold by pressing the fold indicator and the game terminates. Once the fold indicator has been activated the game is terminated in the computer programming sequence. If the player elects to stay in the game and at least comply with the minimum betting requirements, he will press the bet indicator at the new minimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computer program to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can opt to increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator. Once again, the betting process again comprises and as shown in
8. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the above mentioned betting requirements then the game progresses to the next level, and at final community card, commonly referred to as the river, is dealt and displayed at the community card display position for a total of five community cards.
9. At this latter juncture with five community cards now displayed, the actual player can elect to exit the game based on an assessment of his or her two cards in conjunction with any three of the five community cards displayed, but not knowing up to this point what two cards are dealt to each of the other virtual players, who are passively involved in the game format. With the new minimum bet amount set, as stated, an automatic amount generated through the computer program, the player can elect to fold, and the game is stopped. If the player elects to stay, he can upon seeing the fifth community card elect to play at the minimum bet or increase the bet, as based on what the actual player perceives as his chances as a winning poker hand versus the unknown hands of the fictitious players, again using his two displayed cards in conjunction with any three of the community cards. At this point, the winning allocation can be used again, as described.
10. At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after the fifth community card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal on the display screen the face sides of the two cards of each of the virtual or fictitious players to allow the actual player to see the other players' competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards, with the betting format allocated as set forth above.
11. The ensuing step in the program sequence in the Central Processing Unit, is to compare the value of the respective hands of the four fictitious players or whatever number of fictitious players verses the actual player using a valuation process that compares the hierarchy of hands. If a hand of a fictitious player has a higher value than that of the actual player, the actual player loses the game. On the other hand, if the actual player's hand is of a higher value than those of the hands of the virtual players, the actual player wins and collects the bet. In some game formats a system of lesser or reduced winnings could be implemented if the actual player's hand places second or third or whatever place deemed feasible under the circumstances. At this juncture, there is a final betting process and a player can make a final determination of the percentage to be allocated to an organization.
12. As a final step the actual player may cash out his winnings on the game or elect to retain a credit for further game play, and or allocate all or a portion of the winnings to a given charity or other organization.
Stated alternatively, for example, the game play format in a Texas Holdem poker game, using a computer-generated format for a means to play such game, can include the following steps more simply stated as follows:
-
- a) Game display screen shows a plurality of virtual players and an actual player with two cards on the screen, face-down for each virtual player, and the cards face-up for the actual player, although more or less cards can be dealt to the virtual and actual players.
- b) The actual game player has two cards dealt face-up on the screen.
- c) The total initial bet can be any predetermined amount to start the game play.
- d) The actual player starts the game with a stated credit ante, which is mandatory to start the game play.
- e) The actual player can fold or bet to see the three card flop, or as stated otherwise the three initial community cards.
- f) The actual player has the option to fold or bet at least the minimum amount to observe the turn card dealt, that is the fourth community card.
- g) The actual player can elect to fold or bet further to see the river card dealt, that is the fifth community card.
- h) All cards of each of the virtual players are revealed at the time of a fold or after the community cards are dealt.
- i) Once the actual player folds and all the players' cards are revealed, if the actual player's cards show that he would have won the hand, the actual player could be credited back his credits played, with concomitant sharing of bets, as discussed above.
In this version of Texas Holdem Poker the game is formatted on a video screen so it may represent approximately a game board on which cards are laid as dealt, as is commonly used in casinos, with the game board layout being marked out with an area constituted by at least two or more areas, in the form of one or more geometric shapes, situated directly in front of the dealer, such demarcated areas being so structured and optimally located for placing the community cards. The other areas of the virtual board layout on the display screen comprise predetermined areas to lay the cards for the fictitious players face-down and the cards of the actual player face-up, in addition to signaling indicators for betting, for folding, or commencement of play, among other signaling indicators.
The subject invention may also include a menu and format for other similar card games involving a single player or a plurality of players from various dispersed locations all participating in a single card game, in which standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, such menu providing the user a series of potential card games for instant play which can be used as a base guide for the player, with such menu having accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game in real time between actual players participating separately from different sites, or playing such card games as the only actual player against the house, with or without competing virtual or actual players.
In the main or specifically directed game format and for other game formats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics could optionally apply:
1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice from a menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant to select a particular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.
2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing semi-permanent percentage for allocation of winnings and also with a semi-permanent selected organization with there to share earning all with the usage of the above described format or sharing winnings with a charity or other organization, which is the program may be designated as R (for a file number on a particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory until another variable is entered or the processing program is exited or erased for that participant. The persistence of this variable R permits an individual participant to continue play of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with a preplayed game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion, while automatically pays a percentage of earning to a designated organization. This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game site gameplay for such new client, including for such new client all documented information ready at hand in the software program with the headings and designation of the client's history and game preferences, as well as betting preference. In some instances certain incentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for his or her total history of participation, or maintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.
3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiple number of card game categories which can instantly be displayed to give the player an overview of games that are available in the system, along with the probability factors involved with each game.
4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database, to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse a display for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, and odds for a given game play and the code R designated above can be make applicable to any game played by the modular at a given casino or other place.
5. It is anticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play. The software program could automatically display such data for a minimum time period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedules for a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.
6. A given game program could optionally track the participants play, and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of the game as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and other relevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailing hand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not be based on cards dealt to other players or actual or real.
7. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appending process, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins or losses, sharing data, since this data will be recorded.
This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to the inventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair, there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player and an opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player is given a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules and risks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective on the game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted a unique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probability of prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, this method provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new and useful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to the games variables and courses.
Each player who continued against the house by placing a “flop” bet, will have his best five card hand compared to the house table winning schedule corresponding pay-offs schedule and probability factors. Essentially, a player having a losing session will forfeit his bet amounts, with no funds to be paid to any organization. The house will receive a printed document, including if so elected, the organization receiving the winning and the amount so received. Once the player participates in a given game, the process set forth in Table 1 (
Once all wagers have been settled for each player, the Dealer can find the highest value five card poker hand among all players and award that player all combined original pot bets. In the event of players holding identical hands the combined Pot bets can be shared by the winning players.
Claims
1: A process of playing a game of chance in an electronic system using a computer program format with certain elements of said game being displayed on a computer generated visual display comprising:
- (a) initiating participation in the game play, with the game commencing by a display of basic symbols and data of the game on a computer screen as governed by said computer program;
- (b) once the player observes the game process, he may enter a bet or fold or discontinue play;
- (c) initiate game play;
- (d) calculation of winning or losses in such game play;
- (e) selection by the player of (1) a percentage of any winnings to be granted to a third party other than the player (2) selection to third party for winning allocation;
- (f) calculating through said computer program the amount of any winnings by the player in said game by multiplying said selected percentage of winners times the players winnings, if any;
- (g) generating payment to third party;
- (h) granting credit to the player for net winnings after deduction of allocation to the selected third party;
- (i) closing game play.
2: A process of playing a game of chance in an electronic system using a computer program format with certain elements of said game being displayed on a computer general visual display comprising:
- once the player observes the game process, he may enter a bet or fold or discontinue play;
- initiate game play;
- calculation of winning or losses in such game play;\
- selection by the player of a third party to receive a portion of the winnings of said player and a percentage of any winnings to be granted;
- calculating through said computer program the amount of any winnings by the player in said game by multiplying said selected percentage of winners times the players winnings, if any;
- generating payment to third party;
- granting credit to the player for net winnings after deduction of allocation to the selected third party.
3: A process of playing a game of chance in an electronic system using a computer program format with certain elements of said game being displayed on a computer general visual display comprising:
- initiate game play;
- calculation of winning or losses in such game play;
- selection by the player of a third party to receive a portion of the winnings of said player and a percentage of any winnings to be granted to said third party;
- calculating through said computer program the amount of any winnings by the player in said game by multiplying said selected percentage of winners times the players winnings, if any;
- generating payment to third party;
- granting credit to the player for net winnings after deduction of allocation to the selected third party.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 3, 2012
Publication Date: Nov 15, 2012
Applicant: (SYLVANIA, OH)
Inventor: Gregory R. Zilba (Sylvania, OH)
Application Number: 13/385,141
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);
